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By Victor K October 12, 2024
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have turned out to be one of the trendiest things happening within Seattle homeownership. Whether one is looking to add value to their property or simply needs extra space, an ADU Seattle provides the perfect solution. Throughout this blog, we'll discuss the top five benefits of building an ADU and why they are becoming so popular. 5 Key Benefits of Building an ADU Seattle Homeowners Should Know Higher Property Value The biggest benefits of an ADU Seattle are increased property values. Adding an ADU can greatly increase the overall market value of your home, which is a good return on investment. In the competitive real estate market in Seattle, a property with an extra unit will make a difference, more so attractive to buyers or renters. Additional family space, visiting guests, or even short-term renters at the owner's discretion can also be accommodated in this space, further enhancing desirability. 
By Victor K October 11, 2024
With the ever-increasing challenges in housing within Seattle today, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have started to pop up in popularity. Understanding what they are and why they matter is an important discussion for both the homeowner and the potential buyer. What Are ADUs? The accessory dwelling unit, more commonly known as an ADU, is an additional residential unit on the same lot as a primary residence. Units can also come in the form of basement apartments, converted garages, or standalone structures in the backyard associated with the primary residence. They are designed to add space without changing the character of a neighborhood. Some of the regulations regarding ADUs have been refined over time to allow the owners to develop such units. Smooth procedures for Seattle ADU permits have already enabled a lot of citizens of this city to construct these highly essential living spaces. It's all part of a bigger push to boost housing density without compromising the integrity of the community. Why Are ADUs Important? Important to many levels of the spectrum, especially to a city finding one way or another to fit people inside its capacity, here are some of the reasons why ADU Seattle changes the game: Affordable Housing Solutions Probably one of the most appealing reasons to consider an ADU Seattle is the affordability that it offers. The rentals created by additional living space would be sought out as rental income to help offset the financial burden of homeownership-most especially crucial in a city where housing prices have literally gone through the roof. 
By Victor K October 10, 2024
When embarking on home construction projects throughout the holiday seasons in Washington State, ensuring that safety precautions are put in place is always foremost. Whether you're enhancing your home for holiday parties or tackling larger-scale renovation projects, following appropriate construction safety tips ensures that everything will run smoothly and that people won't get hurt. As the weather cools, traffic thickens, and activities heighten with the holidays, the subject of safety at construction sites becomes much more pressing. How to Keep Your Construction Job on Track While Keeping Safety at the Forefront Top Construction Safety Tips for Holiday Projects in Washington State Plan for Winter Weather Challenges Winter in Washington State can be very unpredictable. Heavy rain, snow, and ice will potentially create hazardous situations for the workers. Your projects are bound to face delays in such weather. You should be prepared with the right equipment for wet and cold conditions. Put up temporary shelters as needed, and make sure that the walkways are free from ice and snow. This is where a trustworthy construction management subcontractor like United Seattle can be a huge asset. Our experience dealing with construction projects during the inclement winter months ensures your project stays on schedule while keeping safety at the forefront of all decisions. 
By Victor K October 8, 2024
Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest can be harsh, with heavy rain, snowfall, and cold that taxes a house's structural integrity and comfort. Materials for construction should be chosen that not only hold up to harsh weather conditions but also provide energy efficiency in the process of winter-proofing homes Seattle. This blog looks at what are considered the best materials for winter renovations and why they work well for the Pacific Northwest. Top Winter-Proofing Homes Seattle Materials Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFS) Insulated Concrete Forms, or simply ICFs, are very viable options for winter renovations since they provide superior thermal resistance. These forms, with their composition essentially of polystyrene foam blocks, will be filled with concrete and create solid walls that are already insulated. ICFs would contribute much to the normalization of indoor air temperature and will minimize heat loss, further guaranteeing energy efficiency. For as cold a region as the Pacific Northwest, ICFs work perfectly for energy-efficient winter upgrades Washington State. This building material will create a better insulation environment inside the house by reducing heating costs and keeping homes comfortable through the cold season. United Seattle , being one of the best construction contractors, often recommends ICFs for clients who want to improve their home's thermal performance and energy efficiency during winter. Fiberglass Insulation Fiberglass insulation is another top material for winter-proofing homes Seattle. For one, this insulation traps heat so that it will not escape through walls, ceilings, and floors . Fiberglass insulation is available in a number of forms that include batts, rolls, and loose-fill; thus, it can be used in various forms of renovation. It resists moisture, an important factor for homes in the Pacific Northwest because of the high rain and humidity levels. This material further contributes to long-term energy savings by serving to warm the indoors during winter and keep them cool during summer. United Seattle often incorporates fiberglass insulation when undertaking renovation projects to assist homeowners in enhancing energy efficiency. 
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Construction News

By Victor K July 27, 2024
Inflation is hitting all quarters of the country and in Seattle, it comes down with an additional burden of higher electricity costs soon. The original surplus was predicted to be at 3% but with current operational challenges, the city's public utility provider Seattle City Light anticipates a steeper hike due to various factors including extreme weather, higher demand and fluctuating energy prices. According to Seattle City Light, the hike will be around 5-6% in the coming year alone. This number can increase in the coming years with a sustained 5% annually till 2030. However, this prediction can be like the previous one and the hike can be even more steep. Although City Light customers have experienced shocking electricity bills lately, Dawn Lindell, the firm's CEO and General Manager, accepted the fact that such measures would enable the firm to continue with carbon-neutral electricity generation under uncertain conditions. In this regard, the utility has deployed many dams in Washington for generating hydropower which has helped control the prices for quite some time. However, the last few years have brought unprecedented tasks such as an increase in the population, electrification of buildings and vehicles, and severe variations of climate conditions that affected hydroelectric power-producing stations. 
By Victor K August 13, 2024
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Insulation for Seattle Homes
By Victor K January 24, 2024
Seattle has been one of the first cities to put forward the minimum wage into a legal and national debate. This was done to create economic harmony across all residents of Seattle and its workforce. As the city adapts to the new change, many industries are affected by this, especially the construction industry. In 2014, the city of Seattle initiated a minimum wage of $15 which brought large implications for all service-based sectors, especially the construction sector. The construction industry in Seattle which plays a huge role in Seattle’s development as well as economic growth has since faced some challenges which are discussed in detail after research by experts at United Seattle . Cost Increase The most obvious hindrance in the construction industry is the increase in cost in all sectors. From labor to raw materials to site costs, every cost takes a bump due to increased wages everywhere. This has not only increased the overall cost but reduced the profit margins for all stakeholders.
By Victor K January 14, 2024
The plan for the redevelopment of 34 acres of Fort Lawton into affordable housing was passed three years ago by Seattle's Legislative body. However, the project faces huge delays after an initial surge. The delay has caused the area to be infected with moss and unusable in any shape and form. The ex-military installation now waits for the redevelopment. Here is the latest on the housing development project from our staffers at United Seattle . HUD Approval Delayed HUD or the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has not yet given the final approval for the site redevelopment. The 90-million-dollar megaproject is still battling with the provision of all the requirements put up by HUD. This has caused an unexpected delay in the approval of the project and subsequent spade work. The city's spokesperson, Jamie Housen, mentioned that the aging infrastructure of the site poses unique challenges, compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resource allocation. The Legal Battle Two ongoing legal problems are making the project more difficult. One is a lawsuit by Friends of Discovery Park, saying it might hurt a group of great blue herons nearby. Seattle, because of a deal with the Army, must pay more than $585,000 every year for upkeep. Even though some people are frustrated, those who like the plan say it won't hurt the neighborhood or the birds living there. 
By Victor K January 11, 2024
The Fort Lawton Project has been facing delays over the last three and a half years. Amidst the delay, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a revision in the original plan. The new plan focuses on a greater number of housing units as per the original proposal. The bill was passed approximately 4 years ago but the plan has been there for a good two decades facing several challenges and delays over the years. The mayor wrote to HUD (US Housing and Urban Development) on 27 Dec outlining his new vision for the project. The initial plan was for 240 housing units but the latest proposal by the mayor outlines the number to be about 500, almost doubling the original number. This proposed change, while seeking to address Seattle's housing crisis, will necessitate additional environmental review and approval from the City Council. 


Recommended Blogs

By Victor K October 12, 2024
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have turned out to be one of the trendiest things happening within Seattle homeownership. Whether one is looking to add value to their property or simply needs extra space, an ADU Seattle provides the perfect solution. Throughout this blog, we'll discuss the top five benefits of building an ADU and why they are becoming so popular. 5 Key Benefits of Building an ADU Seattle Homeowners Should Know Higher Property Value The biggest benefits of an ADU Seattle are increased property values. Adding an ADU can greatly increase the overall market value of your home, which is a good return on investment. In the competitive real estate market in Seattle, a property with an extra unit will make a difference, more so attractive to buyers or renters. Additional family space, visiting guests, or even short-term renters at the owner's discretion can also be accommodated in this space, further enhancing desirability. 
By Victor K October 11, 2024
With the ever-increasing challenges in housing within Seattle today, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have started to pop up in popularity. Understanding what they are and why they matter is an important discussion for both the homeowner and the potential buyer. What Are ADUs? The accessory dwelling unit, more commonly known as an ADU, is an additional residential unit on the same lot as a primary residence. Units can also come in the form of basement apartments, converted garages, or standalone structures in the backyard associated with the primary residence. They are designed to add space without changing the character of a neighborhood. Some of the regulations regarding ADUs have been refined over time to allow the owners to develop such units. Smooth procedures for Seattle ADU permits have already enabled a lot of citizens of this city to construct these highly essential living spaces. It's all part of a bigger push to boost housing density without compromising the integrity of the community. Why Are ADUs Important? Important to many levels of the spectrum, especially to a city finding one way or another to fit people inside its capacity, here are some of the reasons why ADU Seattle changes the game: Affordable Housing Solutions Probably one of the most appealing reasons to consider an ADU Seattle is the affordability that it offers. The rentals created by additional living space would be sought out as rental income to help offset the financial burden of homeownership-most especially crucial in a city where housing prices have literally gone through the roof. 
By Victor K October 10, 2024
When embarking on home construction projects throughout the holiday seasons in Washington State, ensuring that safety precautions are put in place is always foremost. Whether you're enhancing your home for holiday parties or tackling larger-scale renovation projects, following appropriate construction safety tips ensures that everything will run smoothly and that people won't get hurt. As the weather cools, traffic thickens, and activities heighten with the holidays, the subject of safety at construction sites becomes much more pressing. How to Keep Your Construction Job on Track While Keeping Safety at the Forefront Top Construction Safety Tips for Holiday Projects in Washington State Plan for Winter Weather Challenges Winter in Washington State can be very unpredictable. Heavy rain, snow, and ice will potentially create hazardous situations for the workers. Your projects are bound to face delays in such weather. You should be prepared with the right equipment for wet and cold conditions. Put up temporary shelters as needed, and make sure that the walkways are free from ice and snow. This is where a trustworthy construction management subcontractor like United Seattle can be a huge asset. Our experience dealing with construction projects during the inclement winter months ensures your project stays on schedule while keeping safety at the forefront of all decisions. 

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